Geneva, 31 January 2022 (TDI): The World Economic Forum (WEF) released a report detailing the increasing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the life, education, and development of children.
AI-powered tools have paved the way for the revolutionization of the educational system, it is used to monitor students’ level of understanding and learning habits while also improving the quality of learning and teaching.
Knewton, an AI-enabled software provides translations in 60 different languages in real-time, this software has helped bridge gaps between language barriers.
This software also curates educational content in line with what the user requires. Global Market Insights predicts that by 2027, the market value of AI in education will reach $20 billion.
Our children are growing up with AI: what you need to know #AI #FutureOfWork https://t.co/MNUEwlL42u pic.twitter.com/sTexUJnVoB
— World Economic Forum (@wef) January 31, 2022
Additionally, AI is also working towards the betterment of children’s health. AI can be used to detect certain diseases and conditions such as autism, AI-powered technology can also detect depression in children based on their tone of voice. It can also be used to help protect children from predators online by identifying potentially dangerous individuals.
Drawbacks of Artificial Intelligence
Although the advantages of AI are apparent some parents and individuals are still hesitant to adopt these technologies. 33% of UK parents and 44% of US parents are not comfortable leaving their children with AI-enabled technology while in China this figure stood at 88%, 83% in India, and 63% in Brazil.
There is also a debate about AI technology invading and exploiting a child’s safety and privacy. Children’s information including biometric data may be used to put a child’s safety at risk.
Tech innovators need to design their technology around the safety and well-being of children. United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) have been particularly vocal about this.
More action needs to take place to ensure that children are protected as AI technology continues to grow and develop.